Mechanism for loading sheet material into magazines



lul -l- NNN N Ap 1952 c. e. PREIS ETAL MECHANISM FOR LOADING SHEETMATERIAL INTO MAGAZINES Filed Aug. 5, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 M Q a [2V5T92 Z 5/ ATTORNEYS 9Q n ..l. v 8 a 3 Q m 45 .l. .l.|.. v r

N N .k Hm w R s Q Q NR A 5 \2 A M N w\ {Q w \\\N N muN o N April 29,1952 c, PREP; m- 2,594,346 I MECHANISM FOR LOADING SHEET MATERIAL INTOMAGAZINES Filed Aug. 5, 1947 5 sheets -sheet 2 I III! INV TORS w v &1,

TTO

April 29, 1952 c. e. PREIS ETAL MECHANISM FOR LOADING SHEET MATERIALINTO MAGAZINES Filed Aug. 5, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. 29,1952 MECHANISM FOR LOADING SHEET MATERIAL INTO MAGAZINES Carl G. Preis,Forest Hills, N. Y.,.and Ronald E. J.

Nordquist, Maplewood, N. J assignors toAmerican Can Company; NewYork,'N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 5, 1947,,Serial No. 766,341

8 Claims. (Cl. 214-6) The present invention relates to amechamsm forloading sheet material into magazines for subsequent feeding therefromand has particular reference to devices for conveying the material instacked formation to a magazine and for depositing it into the magazine.This is a companion application to our copending United Statesapplications Serial Number 766,340 filed August 5, 1947, on Mechanismfor Stacking Sheet Material, and Serial Number 766,342 filed August 5,1947, now Patent No. 2,542,055 granted Febrruary 20, 1951, and SerialNumber 766,343 filed August 5, 1947, on Mechanism for Loading SheetMaterial into Magazines.

An object of the invention is the provision of a mechanism for loadingsheet material in-toa magazine wherein the magazine may be continuouslysupplied with sheets in such a manner as to prevent interference withthe simultaneous feeding of the sheets from the magazine.

. Another object is the provision of such a mechanism wherein sheets instacked formation may be delivered to the magazine so that handling ofthe sheets may be effected rapidly and efiiciently without excessivespeed of operation of the mechanism and hence with less wear and tear onthe mechanism.

Another object is the provision in such amechanism of stack locatingdevices wherein stacks of sheets to be delivered to the magazine areaccurately located relative thereto prior to .deposit therein forfacilitating and expediting delivery of the stacked sheet into themagazine.

Numerous other objects and advantagesof :the invention will be apparentas it is better understood from the following description, which, takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sheet loading mechanism embodying theinstant invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. l, with partsbrokenaway;

Figs. 3, 4, and 6 are enlarged iragmentary detail views takensubstantially along the broken lines 33, d--t, 65, respectively in Fig..2;

Fig. is a view similar toFig. 4 witlrmoving parts in normal position;

Fig. '7 is a top plan view taken substantially along a plane indicatedbytheline 1-1 .in Fig.4, with parts broken away;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary detail-of .a portion of the mechanismshown in. Fig.3; -and Fig. 9 is a combined schematic view of themechanical control parts-of the mechanism-sand a wiring diagram of theelectric apparatusrused in the mechanism.

As a preferred embodiment of the, invention the drawings illustrate amechanism for loading stacks of strips, blanks or sheets A (Fig. 1) ofsheet material, such as tin plate or the like, into a supply magazine Bfrom which the stripsblanks or sheets may be subsequently fedindividually in any suitable manner for the forming of container parts01' other articles therefrom as desired. The stacks of strips A may bereceived from any suitable source of supply such as a slitter, a scrollshear or other machine. As they are received each stack is deposited onaplatiorm D (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) disposed above and adjacent a normallystationary and intermittently operated conveyor E.

Upon the reception of a stack of strips A on the platform D, theplatform moves downtoward the conveyor E and gently deposits the stackon the conveyor. This action of the platform actuates the conveyorthrough a single step movement and thus advances the stack of stripsinto an idle station. Repeated movement of the platform, as each stackis deposited thereon, advances the stack already on the conveyor in astep-by-step manner through a plurality of idle stations and then bringsthe stack into a loading station F (Figs. -1 and 2). At this station thestack is located accurately in a predetermined position and then islifted from the conveyor into the magazine B. This completes the cycleof operations of themechanism.

In the mechanism, the conveyor E comprises i a plurality of endlesschains H (Figs. 1 and 2) disposed in spaced and parallel side by siderelation and extending the full length of the mechanism. There are threeof these chains H and each chain carries a plurality of short flats ortreads 12 (see also Fig. 6) which provide .a. con tinuous table orsupport for carrying the stacks .of-str-ips A.

The chains operate over pairs-of idler sprockets M (see also Fig. '9)located at the entranceor receiving end. of the mechanism (at the leftas viewed in Figs. 1 and 2) and driving sprockets l5 located at theopposite end of the mechanism. Theidler sprockets I4 are mounted onidlershafts l6 while the driving sprockets are mounted on driving shafts l1.These shafts are carried in bearings formed inside frames 18 whichconstitutethemain frameof the mechanism. Between the sprockets thechains operate along and are supported against sagging by longitudinalchain tracks 11.9 (Figs. -2 and '7) secured to crossrailsifi of the main,frame.

The conveyorchains H are operated inunison .in ;an.intermittentorstep-by-step mannerby actuating :device which includes an actuatingchain 22 (Figs. 1 and 2). This chain operates over a sprocket 23 carriedon the outer end of the driving shaft H and a sprocket 24 which ismounted on a stub shaft 25 carried in a bearing in the main frame IS.The chain carries a plurality of actuating dogs 21 secured thereto atspaced intervals. These dogs are individually engaged by a spring heldfinger 3| which is mounted on a pivot pin 32 carried in a slide 33retained in a slideway 34 secured to the main frame l8 immediately belowand in parallelism with the lower run of the actuating chain 22.

The slide 33 is connected to a long piston rod 36 having a piston 31(see Fig. 9) which operates within a cylinder 38 of an oil gearactuating system. Near its ends, the cylinder 38 is connected to a pairof oil lines or pipes 4|, 42 which lead from a slide valve casing 43containing a reciprocable slide valve 44. The slide valve is formed witha central feed port 45 and a pairof vent ports 46, 41 located adjacentits ends. The central feed port 45 is continually in communication witha feed line or pipe 48 which leads from a main feed line or pipe 49leading from a source of supply of oil or other fiuid under pressure.Opposite the valve ends of the pipe lines 4|, 42, the valve casing 43 isformed with return chanthus shifts the valve 44 forward into theposition shown in Fig. 9. With the valve in this position. the pipe line4| is out of register with the central port 45 of the valve and the pipeline 42 is in register with this port as shown in Fig. 9. Hence oilunder pressure from the pipe 48 flows through in front of the piston 31.

' piston forward. The used oil in back of the pisnels 5|, 52 which leadinto a return pipe 53 connecting with a main return line 54 which leadsto any suitable place of discharge for the oil or for recirculation. Thesystem is filled with oil at all times.

The slide valve 44 is reciprocated periodically in its casing 43preferably by an electric solenoid 55 which is energized and deenergizedby suitable electric circuits to be hereinafter explained in connectionwith the wiring diagram illustrated in Fig. 9. When the solenoid isenergized, it shifts the slide valve 44 from the position shown in Fig.9 to a position toward the right in which the central port 45 is incommunication with the feed pipe 48 and the pipe line 4|.

In this position of the valve the vent port 46 is out of register withthe return channel 5| and the vent port 41 is in register with the pipeline 42 and the vent channel 52. I

Hence oil under pressure from the main feed line 49 flows through pipe48, valve port 45, and pipe line 4| into the cylinder 38 in back of thepiston 31 and thereby drives the piston back, toward the left in Fig. 9.Oil in front of the piston is pushed out of the cylinder through thepipe line 42, vent port 41, vent channel 52 and return pipe 53 and isthus returned to the main return line 54 for discharge or reuse.

This movement of the piston 31 draws the piston rod 36 into the cylinderand thus shifts the slide 33 connected therewith in the same direction.At the beginning of this movement, the finger 3| engages with anactuating dog 21 on the lower run of the actuating chain 22 and thusduring its back travel propels the dog and the chain a distance equal tothe stroke of the piston As soon as the piston 31 has completed its backstroke, the solenoid 55 is deenergized, and the usual return springlocated within the solenoid ton is pushed out through the pipe line 4|,vent port 46 of the valve, vent channel 5|, and return pipe 53 to themain return line 54 for discharge or reuse.

During the forward stroke of the piston 31, the slide 33 and itsactuating finger 3| is pushed back into its original position in frontof the next actuating dog 21 for a subsequent advancement of theconveyor chains During this return stroke of the actuating finger3|,-the actuating chain 22 and the conveyor chains remain stationary.The actuating finger, due to its spring mounting snaps under theactuating dog 21 without moving the chain to which it is connected.

The platform D which initially receives a stack of strips A for depositonto the treads |2 of the conveyor chains H for advancement therewith islocated at the entrance end of the conveyor (at the left as viewed inFigs. 1 and 2). This platform D is a sectional platform comprisingsections which extend transversely of the mechanism and which arelocated between the con- ,veyor chains H and immediately beyond the twoouter conveyor chains. There are thus four platform sections for thethree conveyor chains. These platform sections D are secured to avertical platform plate 6| (Figs. 6 and 9) which is disposed between theupper and the lower runs of the conveyor chains II and which extendstransversely of the mechanism.

The platform plate 8| is secured to a vertically movable slide 62 (Fig.6) which operates in a vertical slideway 63 formed in a transversebracket 64, the ends of which are connected to the side frames IS. Theslide is periodically lowered in its slideway 63 by a lever arm 66mounted on a pivot shaft 61 carried in a bracket 68 bolted to the middlechain track I9 and one of the adjacent tracks as shown in Fig. 2'. Thepivot shaft 61 also carries a depending arm 1|, the lower end of whichis connected to a piston rod 12 having a piston 13 (see also Fig. 9)which operates in a cylinder 14 carried on a bracket 15 bolted to one ofthe frame crossrails 28.

The cylinder 13 preferably is part of the oil gear system hereinbeforereferred to and receives oil under pressure from the main oil line '49and discharges used oil into the return line 54 through operation of aslide valve 18 (Fig. 9) which is similar in construction to the slidevalve 44. The slide valve 18 is retained within a valve housing 19 andis formed with a central feed port 8| and two end or vent ports 82, 83.The central port 8| is always in communication with the discharge end ofa feed pipe 84 which connects the valve housing 19 with the main oilsupply line 49. Opposite this feed pipe 84 the outer ends of thecylinder 14 are connected to the valve housing by a pair of pipe lines85, 86 which are in line with vent channels 81, 88 in the valve housing.The vent channels communicate with a return pipe 89 which connects withthe main return line 54.

Operation of the slide valve 18 is effected preferably by a pair ofelectric solenoids 9|, -92

which are connected to opposite ends of" the valve and which areenergized and' deenergized by suitable electric circuits which will bemore fully explained hereinafter in connection with the wiring diagramin Fig. 9.

When a stack of Strips A is-received on the platform D, the electricsolenoid 9I is-energized and this shifts the slide valve I8 from theposie tion shown in Fig. 9 to a positiontoward'the left in that figure,in which the vent port 83' is in register with the cylinder pipeBeans-nievent channel 88, and its central feed port BI 1 communicationwith the cylinder pipe' 85; Hence oil under pressure from the main feedline 49 flows through the feed pipe 84, valveport 81-, and pipe 85 intothe cylinder M in swear the piston I3. This incoming oildi'ive's-the'piston toward the right as viewed in Fig. 9. The oil in thecylinder ahead of the piston is thereby pushed out through the pipe 86,valve vent port 83} return pipe 89 to the main return pipe 51 fordischarge or reuse.

This movement of the piston :3 rocks the lever arms 86, III in acounterclockwise direction-(Fig. 9) which lowers the platform Drrom'itsnor'mal position above the upper run of theconveyor chains IIand treads I2 as shown in Figs. land 6 to a position below the treads onthese chains. Thus the stack of strips A carried on the platform isgently deposited onto the treads I2 of b the conveyor chains II as theplatform moves down below the treads. This transfer of the stack ofstrips is effected while the conveyor chains H are at rest between theirintermittent operation.

As soon as a stack of strips A has been re ceived on the conveyor chainsII, these chains are moved through one step of their step-bystepmovement as hereinbefore explained and thus the stack of strips isadvanced from the position above the depressed platform to an idlestation removed from the platform. While the stack is at this idlestation the platform D is raised to its original position for thereception of another stack of strips A. This raising of the platform iseffected by the energization of the electric solenoid 92. Theen'ergi'zedsolenoid shifts the slide valve I9 back into its original position asshown in Fig. 9.

In this returned position of the slide 'valve I8; oil under pressurefrom thepi'pe 84-fiows' through the valve feed port BI and pipe 86 intothe cylinder I4 ahead of the piston I3. This incoming oil pushes thepiston back toward the left to its original position. The used oil inback of the piston is thus pushed out of the cylinder I4 through thepipe 85, valve vent'port 82, vent channel 81, and return pipe 89 totheinainreturn line 5:! for discharge or reuse. The return of the pistonI3 to its original position rocks the lever arms 66, TI in a clockwisedirection and this raises the platform D as mentioned above.

When the stacks of strips A are received on the platform D they may notbe in aproperly squared relation with the platform and different stacksmay not be all located in the same position on the. platform. Thereforewhen these stacks are deposited on the conveyor chains II and arecarried into the loading station F they may arrive at the station in anout of square relation to the supply magazine B or they maybeotherwiseout of register with the magazine. It is for this reason that the--stacks as" they are received at the loading station Fare properlylocated I loading station F is brought abotltfbya locating device G(Figs. 2, 4, 5 and '7) which includes a pair of transversely spaced andsquared locati'ng pads which are normally disposed just below the pathof travel of the stacks as they enter the loading station. Theselocating pads are secured to the forward ends of a pair of links 96. Theforward ends of the links carry cam rollers 91 which operate in a pairof spaced stationary cams 98 secured to the bottom surfaces.

of thetWo outer chain track's. I9. The opposite ends of the links arepivo'tally' secured to the outer ends of a pair of angula'rly disposedarms IIH which extend out from a slide member I92 slidably mounted on apair of longitudinal slideways I03 secured to the bottom face of themiddle chain track I9.

The slide member I92 is reciprocated through a forward or feeding strokeand thence through a return stroke in time with the entrance of a stackof strips A into the loading station F. The feeding stroke takes placeimmediately upon'theentrance of a; stack into the loading station.During this feeding stroke the slide member I82 pushes forward the links98 and the cam rollers 91 and locating pads 95 carried thereon. Intraversing the cams 98 during this stroke, the'caln rollers 91 lift thelocating-pads 95 into aposition in line with the path of travel of thestack on the conveyor chains I I as shown in Fig. 4.

Hence during the latter portion of the stroke the locating pads come upbehindthe stack and engage the rear edges of the strips A in the stack(as shown in Fig. 4) and push the stack into a predetermined positionrelative to the supply magazine B while simultaneously twisting thestack into a transversely squared relation with the magazine. When thestack is in its proper posi tion, the locating pads 95 engage againstadjust able stop screws I05 carried in brackets I06 secured to the twoouter chain tracks I9 and these stop screws arrest further movement ofthe pads and the movable parts connected therewith.

As soon as a stack has been located at the loading station F, thelocating pads 95 and the movable parts connected therewith move backthrough a return stroke, leaving the" located stack in proper positionfor transfer'into the magazine- B. During this return stroke, the camrollers 9'1 in traversing the cams 98, pull the locating pads 95 downbelow the path of travel of the stacks on the conveyor chains II so thatthe pads will beclear of the next following or subsequent stacl: as itis moved at the propentime over the top of the'locating device whilebringing it into the loading station as shown in Fig. 5.

Movement of the slide member I52 (see Fig. 9)

and the locating pads 95 connected therewith preferably is effected byan attached connecting rod IIII having a piston I88 which operatesWithin a cylinder I09 forming a part of the oil gear system hereinbeforementioned. This cylinder like the cylinders 31, I4 is connected by pipesIII, H2 to a valve casing ll3containiiig a slide valve H4 having acentral feed port H5 and end'vent ports H6, H1. Opposite the pipes III,H2; the valve casing is connected with themain feed line 49' and is alsoformed with a pair ofvent channels H8, H9 which communicate with themain return line 54.

The slide valve- I I4 -is periodically reciprocated by a normallyoeener'gizd electric-solenoid I2 2" which is energized through suitableelectric circuits which will be hereinafter explained in connection withthe wiring diagram. When the solenoid is energized it shifts the slidevalve II4 toward the left as viewed in Fig. 9 from the position shown inthat figure into a position where the cylinder pipe III is incommunication with the central feed port I I5 of the valve. When thevalve is in this position, oil under pressure from the main feed line 49flows through the valve feed port H5 and pipe III into the cylinder I09in front of the piston I08 and thereby drives the piston forward, towardthe right as viewed in Fig. 9. It is this movement of the piston thatpushes the locating pads 95 into engagement with the stack of strips Afor locating them at the loading station as explained above. As thepiston moves forward it pushes the used oil in back of the piston, outof the cylinder through the pipe II2, vent port II1 of the valve, andvent channel I I9 into the main return line 54 for discharge or reuse.

Transfer of the properly located stack of strips A from the conveyorchains I I into the magazine B at the loading station preferably iselfected by a plurality of lifter plates I25 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) whichare disposed at the loading station and which are located between and oneither side of the conveyor chains II and just below the path of travelof the stacks. There are four of these plates arranged in a straightline extending traversely of the mechanism.

The lifter plates I25 are secured to support arms I26-mounted on a pivotshaft I21 (Fig. 3) carried in bearings I23 (Figs. 1 and 2) bolted to themain frame I8. One of the support arms is formed with a dependingactuating arm I29 which is connected by a link I33 (Fig. 3) to a slideblock I3I which operates in a slideway I32 formed in a bracket I33secured to the main frame. The slide block I3I is reciprocatedperiodically in time with the other moving parts of the mechanism,through a forward or lifting stroke and thence through a return stroke.

Reciprocation of the slide block I3I is effected preferably by a pistonrod I35 (Figs. 1, 3 and 9) carrying a piston I36 which operates in acylinder I31 which forms a part of the oil gear system hereinbeforementioned. Like the cylinders 38, 14 and I09, the cylinder I31 adjacentits ends is connected by oil pipes I38, I39 to a valve casing I4Icontaining a reciprocable slide valve I42 having a central feed port I43and a pair of end vent ports 44, I45. Opposite the oil pipes I38, I39the casing is provided with a feed pipe I46 which connects with the mainfeed line 49 and which is always in communication with the slide valvefeed port I43. The casing is also formed with a pair of vent channelsI41, I48 which communicate with a return pipe I49 connected to the mainreturn line 54 The slide valve I42 is periodically reciprocated by anormally deenergized electric solenoid I5I which is energized throughsuitable electric circuits which will be hereinafter explained inconnection with the wiring diagram. When the solenoid is energized itshifts the slide valve I42 toward the left as viewed in Fig. 9 from theposition shown in that figure into a position where the cylinder pipeI38 is-in communication with the central feed port I43 of the valve.When the valve is in this position, oil under pressure from the mainfeed line 49 fiows through the feed pipe I46, valve feed port I43 andoil pipe I38 into the cylinder in front of the piston I36 and therebydrive the piston forward, toward the right as viewed in Fig. 9.

As the piston moves forward it pushes the used oil in back of thepiston, out of the cylinder through the pipe I39, valve vent port I45,vent channel I48, and return pipe I49 into the main return line 54 fordischarge or reuse. This forward stroke of the piston shifts the slideblock I3I forward and thus rocks the support arms I26 and the lifterplates I25 connected thereto, in a counterclockwise direction as viewedin Fig. 3. During this rocking movement of the support arms the lifterplates I25 move up into engagement with a properly located stack ofstrips A on the conveyor treads I2 at the loading station and thus liftthe stack clear of the conveyor and swing it in an arc toward themagazine B for deposit thereinto.

After depositing the stack of strips A into the magazine B the lifterplates I25 move down through a return stroke to their original positionfor a subsequent transfer operation. This return stroke of the plates iseffected by a deenergizing of the electric solenoid I5I. When thesolenoid is deenergized the usual return spring contained within thesolenoid, shifts the slide valve I42 back into the position shown inFig. 9 and this brings the valve feed port I43 into communication withthe feed pipe I46.

With the feed pipe I46 and the valve port I43 in communication, oilunder pressure from the main feed line 49 flows through the oil pipe K39into the cylinder I31 in back of the piston I36 and thus pushes thepiston back into its original position. It is this return movement ofthe piston that lowers the lifter plates I25. As the piston moves back,it pushes the used oil out of the cylinder in front of the piston,through the oil pipe I38, valve vent port I44, vent channel I41, andreturn pipe I49 into the main return line 54 for discharge or reuse.

The magazine B which receives the stack of strips A from the lifterplates I25 comprises a hollow rectangular shaped magazine frame I55(Figs. 1, 2 and 3) which is open at top and bottom and which extendstransversely of the mechanism at the loading station F. This magazineframe preferably is disposed at an angular or inclined position so thatthe lifter plates I25 may readily swing the stack into place within theframe when they move through a lifting stroke. The lower end of themagazine frame I55 is bolted to the main frame I8 while its upper end issecured to end brackets I56 which in turn are fastened to the mainframe.

Along its transverse side walls, the magazine .frame I55 carries aplurality of stack supporting fingers or elements I58 (Figs. 3 and 8)which are disposed in recesses I59 formed in the frame walls (see alsoFig. 2). These fingers extend up into the magazine and at their lowerends are mounted on pivot pins I69 carried in the frame side walls. Theupper ends of the fingers are formed with stop lugs I6I which normallyengage against a pair of transverse guide plates I62 secured to theinner faces of the frame side walls. Flat springs I53 interposed betweenthe fingers and the frame side walls within the recesses yieldablyretain the fingers in place. The inner edges of the fingers, adjacentthe stop lugs are formed with stack supporting ledges I34 which projectinwardly beyond the guide plates I62.

Hence when the lifter plates I25 swing a stack of strips A into placewithin the magazine "current such as a generator I18.

energizes the solenoid 9| .Bpthestack enters through thezbottom of themagazine. The long edges of thestrips engage the inner'edges of thesupport fingers I58 and push them inwardly against the resistance of thesprings I63 until the entire'stack has been raised above the fingersupport ledges I64. The stroke of the lifter plates I25 is such as toraise the stack i'ust 'enough to permit the bottom strip to just snappast the finger support ledges. The fingers I58 thereupon snap backtoward the stackwith their support ledges engaged under the stack.

Thus :when the lifter plates I25 move down through their return strokethey leave the raised stack in themagazine, supported on the ledges I64of the fingers. A curved portion I65 (Fig. 3) of thelower guide plate I62 guides the 'stack into place within the magazine. As subelectricequipment for controlling and operating the various solenoidshereinbefore mentioned. In the'mechanism, the placing of a stack ofstrips A on the platform D starts the train of operations that carriesthe stack through the mechanism and deposits it in the magazine 13 asdescribed above.

When a stack is placed on the platform D, a starting circuit isestablished which includes the electric solenoid 9| and a normally openstarting switch I15. In this circuit one side of the switch is connectedby a wire I16 to amain lead wire I11 of a suitable source of electric IThe other side of the switch is connected by .a wire I'BI to thesolenoid ill. The solenoid is connected by'a wire I82 to an auxiliarylead wire I83 of the generator.

The closing'of the switch I15 may be effected in any suitable manner, asby contact with the stack of strips A as they are placed upon theplatform D, or by engagement with the device which places the stack onthe platform, or manually after a stack is on the platform, as desired.When the switch is closed, electric current from the generator I18 flowsalong the circuit and and this shifts the slide valve 18 and thus startsthe platform D through its down stroke for depositing the stack ofstrips onto the conveyor chains I I.- solenoid is energized onlymomentarily since the switch I15 opens as soon as the stack of strips orthe depositing devices move away from the switch. However this issufficient to shift the slide valve 18 and the valve thereupon remainsstationary until returned by the solenoid 92.

As the descending platform D nears the lower limit of itsdown stroke itengages against and closes a normally open electric switch I85 whichthus establishes .a conveyor actuating circuit which includes theelectric solenoid 55. In this circuit one side of the switch I85 isconnected by a wire I85 to the generator auxiliary lead wire I83. Theother side of the switch is connected by a wire I81 to the solenoid 55.The solenoid is also connected by a wire I88 to the generator main leadwire I11. 7

When the switch..l85 is closed, electric current from. the generatorIIBpasses along the circuit and energizes the solenoid 5.5 and shiftsthe The tuating device which includes the reciprocating slide 33 whichadvances the chains on a back stroke, toward the left as viewed in Fig.9. Near the end of this stroke, the slide engages andcloses a normallyopen electric switch I9I which establishes a circuit which includes thestack 10- eating solenoid I22 connecting with the slide valve H4 whichcontrols the locating pads 95 for locating the stack at the loadingstation F. One side of the switch I9! is connected by a wire I92 to thegenerator main lead wire I11. The other side of the switch is connectedby a wire I93 to the solenoid I22. The solenoid is also connected by awire I94 tothe generator auxiliary lead wire I83. When the switch I9I isclosed, electric current from the generator I18 passes along thiscircuit and thus energizes the solenoid I22. This action in turn shiftsthe slide valve H4 and thus actuates the locatingipads 95 through alocating stroke as hereinbefore explained.

Immediately following the closing of the switch I9I, the conveyoractuating device slide 33 engages and closes a second normally openelectric switch I 93 which establishes a circuit including the solenoid92 which controls the moving of the slide valve 18 into a position forreturning the platform 1) to its original elevated position.

In this circuit, one side of the switch I96 is com switch I 96 is closedelectric current from the generator I18 passes along the circuit andenerizes the solenoid 92 and thus shifts the slide valve II 4 back intoits original position. The platform D thereupon rises to its originalposition.

Elevation of the platform D opens the switch I and this breaks theconveyor actuating circuit and thereby deenergizes the solenoid 55. Thespring contained within the solenoid returns the slide valve 44 to itsoriginal position and thereby starts the conveyor actuating device slide33 back through a return stroke.

Just as the conveyor actuating device slide ,33 starts its returnstroke, it rides off the adjacent switch I96 and thereby opens thisswitch and breaks the circuit which includes the platform solenoid 92.Breaking of this circuit deenergizes the solenoid 92 and thereby leavesthe platform actuating solenoids 9!, 92 in a condition forreenergization for a subsequent stack of strips A. Just before thereturning conveyor actuating device slide 33 rides off the adjacentswitch I9I which controls the operation of the locating pads 55, thepads reach the limit of their forward or locating stroke. At thetermination of this stroke, a pin 29I moving with the locating padactuating device, engages against and closes a normally open electricswitch 202 which establishes a lifter circuit including the liftersolenoid I5I which controls the lifting of the-properlylocated stackofstrips A from the conveyor Chains II into the magazine B at theloadi-ngstationF.

In this lifter circuit one side of the switch 202 is connected by a wire204 to the generator auxiliary lead wire I83. The other side of theswitch is connected by a wire 205 to the solenoid II. The solenoid isalso connected by a wire 2% to the generator main lead wire I'I'I. Whilethe switch 202 is closed, electric current from the generator I18 flowsalong the circuit and energizes the solenoid I5I and thus shifts theslide valve I42 into a position for actuating the lifter arms I26 andplates I for lifting the located stack of strips A into the magazine Bas hereinbefore mentioned.

This stack lifting operation takes place just as the conveyor actuatingdevice slide 33, during its return stroke, rides off the adjacent switchI9I and thereby opens the switch. Opening of the switch breaks thelocating pad circuit and thereby deenergizes the solenoid I22. Thespring contained within the solenoid returns the slide valve II4 to itsoriginal position and thereby returns the locating pads 95 to theiroriginal position in readiness for a subsequent locating operation.

Return of the locating pads 95, opens the switch 202 in the stack liftercircuit and this breaks the circuit. Breaking of this circuitdeenergizes the lifter solenoid I5I. The spring within this solenoidreturns the connecting slide valve I42 to its original position andthereby returns the lifter arms I26 and plates I25 to their originalpositions in readiness for a subsequent lifting operation. Thiscompletes the cycle of operation of the electric apparatus used in themechanism.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood from the foregoing description, and it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim:

1. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination, a conveyor, aplatform for receiving a stack of individual sheets, means for movingsaid platform across the path of travel of said conveyor for depositinga stack of sheets on said conveyor, actuating means operable by saidplatform in its stack depositing position for intermittently advancingsaid conveyor with its stack of sheets, a magazine disposed adjacent thepath of travel of said conveyor for receiving the sheets, and insertingmeans disposed adjacent said magazine and operable during a rest periodof said conveyor in the path of travel of the sheets on said conveyorfor shifting the stack of sheets as a unit from said conveyor into saidmagazine.

2. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination, an endlessconveyor for carrying stacks of sheets along a predetermined path oftravel, delivery means for depositing a stack of sheets onto saidconveyor, an endless actuating chain having driving connection with saidconveyor, a dog carried by said actuating chain, actuating meansoperable by the deposit of a stack of sheets on said conveyor forengaging with said chain dogfor intermittently moving said chain and theconveyor connected therewith for advancing said conveyor and the stackof sheets deposited thereon, a magazine disposed adjacent said conveyorfor receiving said stack of sheets, and inserting means disposedadjacent said magazine and operable in the path of travel of the stackof sheets on said conveyor for shifting the stack as a unit from saidconveyor into said magazine.

3. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination, an endlessconveyor for carrying stacks of sheets along a predetermined path oftravel, delivery means for depositing a stack of sheets onto saidconveyor, an endless actuating chain having driving connection with saidconveyor, a plurality of spaced dogs on said actuating chain, anactuating finger movable along the path of travel of said chain andengageable with a said dog for intermittently moving said chain and theconveyor connected therewith for advancing said conveyor and the stackof sheets, a piston connecting with said actuating finger and operablein a cylinder, fluid actuating means having circulation in said cylinderfor moving said piston and its connected finger through an actuatingstroke and a return stroke, a slide valve device connecting with saidcylinder for controlling the flow of fluid actuating medium to determinethe kind of stroke for the piston, electric means connecting saiddelivery means with said slide valve device and operable by saiddelivery means for operating the slide valve to make effective saidfluid actuating means for the intermittent advancement of said conveyor,a magazine disposed adjacent said conveyor for receiving said stack ofsheets,and inserting means disposed adjacent said magazine and operablein the path of travel of the stack of sheets on said conveyor forshifting the stack as a unit from said conveyor into said magazine.

4. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination, an endlesschain conveyor for carrying stacks of sheets along a predetermined pathof travel, conveyor actuating means for advancing said conveyor, adelivery platform movable relative to said conveyor for receiving astack of sheets and for delivering it onto said conveyor, fluidactuating means connecting with said delivery platform for moving saidplatform, control means for said fluid actuating means, means operableby a stack of sheets'being placed on said platform for actuating saidcontrol means for moving said platform into stack delivering positionrelative to said conveyor, a magazine disposed adjacent said conveyorfor receiving said stack of sheets, and inserting means disposedadjacent said magazine and operable in thepath of travel of the stack ofsheets on said conveyor for shifting the stack as a unit from saidconveyor into said magazine.

5. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination an endless chainconveyor for carrying stacks of sheets along a predetermined path oftravel, conveyor actuating means for intermittently advancing saidconveyor, electric control means for said conveyor actuating means, adelivery platform movable relative to said conveyor for receiving astack of sheets and for delivering it onto said conveyor, fluidactuating means connecting with said delivery platform for movingsaidplatform, control means for said fluid actuating-means,

means operable when a stack of sheets is placed on said platform foractuating said control means for moving said platform into stackdelivering position relative to said conveyor, electric means connectingwith said electric control means and operable by said platform forsetting said conveyor actuating means in motion, a magazine disposedadjacent said conveyor for receiving said stack of sheets, and insertingmeans disposed adjacent said magazine and in the path of travel of thestack of sheets on said conveyor for shifting the stack as a unit fromsaid conveyor into said magazine.

6. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination a magazine forreceiving and holding a stack of sheets of material, a conveyor disposedadjacent said magazine for carrying the stack of sheets along a path oftravel toward and into a position adjacent said magazine, means forintermittently advancing said conveyor, reciprocable locating fingersmovable adjacent the path of travel of the stack of sheets, meansoperable by said conveyor advancing means following movement of saidconveyor for shifting said locating fingers into the path of travel ofthe stack for engage ment behind the stack for aligning it with saidmagazine, and inserting means disposed adjacent said magazine forinserting the stack of sheets as a unit into said magazine.

g 7. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination a magazine forreceiving and holding a stack of sheets of material, a conveyor disposedadjacent said magazine for carrying the stack of sheets along a path oftravel toward and into a position adjacent said magazine, actuatingmeans for said conveyor, reciprocable locating fingers movable adjacentthe path of travel of the stack of sheets, fluid actuating meansconnecting with said fingers for reciprocating them, electric controlmeans operable by and in time with said conveyor actuating means forcontrolling the reciprocation of said fingers in time with the arrivalof a stack of sheets at said magazine, means for shifting said movinglocating fingers into the path of travel of the stack for engagementbehind the stack for aligning it with said magazine, and inserting meansdisposed adjacent said magazine for inserting the stack of sheets as aunit into said magazine.

8. A mechanism for loading sheets of material into magazines forsubsequent feeding therefrom, comprising in combination a magazine forreceiving and holding a stack of sheets, a conveyor disposed adjacentsaid magazine for carrying the stack of sheets along a path of traveltoward and into position at said magazine, locating means at saidmagazine for aligning the sheets with the magazine, a pivotally mountedlifter plate adjacent the stack of aligned sheets, fluid actuating meansconnecting said conveyor, said locating means and said lifter plate witha source of fluid pressure, and control means for making effective saidfluid actuating means, said control means having a valve in the conveyoractuating connection to advance the conveyor, and having a valve in thelocating actuating connection operable by said conveyor advancing meansto actuate said locating means, said control means also having a valvein the lifter plate actuating connection and operable by said locatingmeans to pivot said lifter plate and transfer said stack of sheets fromthe conveyor into said magazine.

CARL G. PREIS. RONALD E. J. NORDQUIST.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,492,864 Straight May 6, 19241,954,842 Ranney et al Apr. 1'7, 1934 2,148,371 Galloway Feb. 21, 1939

